The start numbers given out are the property of the participating dog handler after the World Championship 2017. The start numbers must be worn and made visible by the dog handler from the time they register until the finish of the corresponding group and during the award ceremony.

Entry Requirements for Austria

For people who live in the EU, a valid passport or identification card is necessary. For people coming from countries not in the EU, a valid passport must be shown. Austrians need to show valid ID.

Visits to a doctor or dentist

Some foreign health insurance certificates from health insurance institutions or complementary insurances are recognised. In any case it is advantageous to take out private insurance for the time you plan to be in Austria. The organisation office can give you information regarding the closest doctor, dentist, emergency clinic as well as the nearest veterinarian or animal Hospital.

Currency in Austria

The currency in Austria is Euros.
Changing money from a foreign currency to Euros is possible in all banks during the bank’s business hours. There are also currency exchange offices in the airports. Changing money in your hotel is not recommended. The safest way is to use a credit card (VISA or Mastercard, etc.) for purchases. Car rentals are not possible without a credit card. If you have a pin code you can also get cash from any cash machine using your credit card.

Veterinary Regulations

Since December 29th, 2014 the same regulations are valid in most European Union countries for domestic animals. In Austria, dogs are also required to be on a leash and at times must wear a muzzle.

Domestic animals must have an EU domestic animal ID card. This document is issued by a veterinarian and contains all information regarding inoculations and worm treatments that the animal has received. The Rabies vaccination is especially important. The Rabies vaccination must have been given after the ID card was issued and must still be active. If you have any doubts whatsoever, please contact your veterinarian. Your dog could be denied entry into Austria if the vaccine is deemed not active.

The identification number recorded in the ID card must also be saved on a microchip.

You must have a leash and muzzle with you at all times.

The event will be overseen by a veterinarian.

In order to receive permission to start, every participating dog will be examined by a veterinarian. The examination will be carried out in the entranceway to the arenal.

If an animal’s health doesn’t allow it to participate in the competition, the chief judge must exclude it. If an animal is deemed to have health problems or is clearly in pain, it will be expelled from the entire event. We explicitly inform all participants that in the framework of the IRO competitions – the administering of medication to suppress pain and/or to improve performance is strictly forbidden. Should it become known that this rule has been broken, the chief judge will disqualify the animal. The division judges are bound to inform the chief judge immediately if they notice any abnormalities and/or irregularities concerning the above mentioned circumstances.

A veterinarian is on site during the entire event.

The organiser has the right to order a veterinary examination if the participating dog shows signs of injury or ailment. The decision of the veterinarian is valid at all times.

Compulsory vaccinations for dogs participating in IRO events The IRO Executive Board has decided that from 2017 onwards dogs participating in IRO events like International Testing Events, World Championships and international trainings must not only be vaccinated against rabies but also against distemper, hepatitis, parvovirosis and leptospirosis. The vaccinations must be up to date. Various vaccines against these illnesses are available. The dogs must be revaccinated (booster) according to the instructions given by the manufacturer

Road Traffic

Right hand driving is valid in Austria. Please note that Austrian police pay special attention to the following things:

All passengers must have their seat belts on

The driver is not allowed, under any circumstances to use their mobile phone while driving

Strict alcohol control is carried out. The blood alcohol limit in Austria is 0.5 per mille. If you exceed the limit your driving license will be confiscated immediately.

Information and Safety Instructions

Dogs are to be kept on a leash at all times, except when working.

Please keep on the main roads and pathways when walking or driving.

The participants must report in at the meeting points.

Participants must carry an identification card with them and present it on demand.

If you come across war relics:
Do not touch them! Flag the site of the find. Report the find to the training area supervisor.

Damage and/or accidents must be reported to the training area supervisor immediately!

Animal food/treats are strictly forbidden in the obedience area.

Stopping and parking, especially for campers, is allowed in the designated areas, only. Please follow the instructions of the marshals on site.

Public areas are to be kept clean at all times (Do Not Litter!).

Dog handlers are liable for any damages incurred.

Due to new legislation in the Austrian Animal Protection Act, the use of chain collars is only permitted if the collar has a “Stop Ring” which will prevent choking.

Because the Austrian Kennel Club training clubs have not allowed dogs to be choked (it is defined in the examination regulations that it is forbidden to use chain collars with a choking effect on dogs) there no real changes to our rules.

However, we ask that all local groups are informed of the legislation and make sure that if a chain collar is used, it has a stop ring on it to prevent choking the dog.

Judges must make sure that during any examinations and trials the dogs are only wearing collars that are allowed by law – even if the dog is not on a leash during the examination and only free range obedience is being judged. (ÖKV)